Kid’s Corner - a place to help kids understand what happens when families go to court
Are you going through Family Law proceedings?
Are your children asking you questions about what’s happening?
Are your children confused why they are meeting with an Independent Children’s Lawyers or a Family Expert?
Are you unsure as to how you can help your child understand their feelings during this process?
By Senior Associate, Sarah Rodrigues
It's normal when parents separate and engage in the Family Court process that children have a lot of questions and there is confusion about what is occurring and why. It is also normal that there are times when you might be unsure as to how best explain this to your children.
In order to help parents and families answer these questions, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) have developed Kid’s Corner - a child-focused resource for parents and children. Kid’s Corner can help you to answer your child’s questions when going through Family Court proceedings.
The resources available include:
- short animations
- frequently asked questions (by children)
- the Family Courts role, the Independent Children’s Lawyers role and the Court Expert Role
- stories from other children whose family have gone through the family court process
Whether you are looking to help your child better understand their feelings or find strategies to manage feelings and emotions, Kid’s Corner is a great central resource.
Importantly, it also explains specific words that children might hear (and be confused about) such as protection orders, supervised visits, family report and contact centres.
FCFCOA have also launched a Children’s Charter that outlines the Courts’ commitment to placing children at the centre of decision-making in a way that promotes their safety and wellbeing.